JP6410587B2 - Information processing apparatus, communication system, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a communication system, and a computer program that transmit or receive data via a network.

  Conventionally, an information processing apparatus that transmits or receives data to or from an external device connected via a network is known. The information processing apparatus (information processing terminal) described in Patent Literature 1 is configured to be able to execute a function realized by using a service provided from a connected network, and accepts a selection operation of the function from a user. The information processing apparatus inquires about an available service to an external device (network management apparatus) connected to the network, and the user cannot select a function realized by using a service whose inquiry result indicates that the service cannot be used. Like that. Therefore, the information processing apparatus described in Patent Literature 1 can automatically limit the functions that can be selected by the user depending on whether or not the service provided from the network is unavailable.

JP 2006-107081 A

  In general, when the communication status of the network becomes poor due to an increase in traffic, congestion may occur and a communication failure may occur. However, the control performed by the information processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 does not consider the communication status of the network connected to the own apparatus. When the information processing apparatus takes time to provide a service from the network due to the poor communication status of the network, it may take time to execute the function selected by the user. Further, the information processing apparatus may not be able to execute the function selected by the user when the service is not provided from the network due to the poor communication status of the network. Therefore, although the user selects the function, there is a problem that the user feels uncomfortable because the function is not realized by the information processing apparatus of Patent Document 1.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus that can reduce user discomfort caused by a poor communication status of a network used for processing. A communication system and a computer program.

An information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an accepting unit that accepts an operation, and a processing unit that executes a process according to the operation accepted by the accepting unit. The processing unit accepts a predetermined operation by the accepting unit. In the case of specific data received in an information processing device that transmits or receives data to or from an external device connected via a network, a communication device that transmits response data to the transmission source of the received specific data, A communication unit that is connected via the network and that transmits and receives the specific data and response data to and from the communication device; and after the communication unit transmits the specific data and until the response data is received. A time measuring means for measuring time, a dividing means for dividing the data amount of the specific data or the response data by a time measured by the time measuring means, and a predetermined communication speed. That the information and the communication status determination means for determining the quality of the communication status of the network based on the division result of the division means, when the communication status determination means determines to be defective, the predetermined operation by said receiving means And a reception prohibition means for prohibiting reception.
An information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an accepting unit that accepts an operation, and a processing unit that executes a process according to the operation accepted by the accepting unit. The processing unit accepts a predetermined operation by the accepting unit. A communication status determination unit that determines whether the communication status of the network is good or not every time processing by the processing unit is completed in an information processing apparatus that transmits or receives data to or from an external device connected via a network. And a reception prohibiting means for prohibiting reception of the predetermined operation by the receiving means when the communication status determining means is determined to be defective.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the communication status determination means determines whether the communication status is good or not when the processing by the processing means is not executed.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the communication status determination means repeatedly determines whether the communication status is good or bad.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the communication status determination unit determines whether the communication status is good or not every time the processing by the processing unit ends.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, when the reception prohibiting unit prohibits the reception of the predetermined operation by the receiving unit, the reception permitting the reception of the operation when the communication status determining unit determines that the operation is good. It further comprises permission means.

The information processing apparatus according to the present invention is connected to a communication apparatus that transmits response data to a transmission source of the received specific data when the specific data is received, and is connected to the communication apparatus. Communication means for transmitting / receiving the specific data and response data; time measuring means for measuring a time until the response data is received after the communication means transmits the specific data; and a data amount of the specific data or response data And dividing means for dividing the time by the time measured by the time measuring means, and the communication status determining means determines the quality of the communication status based on information relating to a predetermined communication speed and a division result of the dividing means. It is characterized by the above.

The information processing apparatus according to the present invention is configured such that the communication unit transmits the specific data a plurality of times, and the time measuring unit is transmitted each time the communication unit transmits the specific data. The time until the response data corresponding to the specific data is received is timed, and further comprises an average time calculating means for calculating an average of the time measurement results for the plurality of times by the time measuring means, and the dividing means includes the Instead of the time measured by the time measuring means, the data amount of the specific data or response data is divided by the average calculated by the average time calculating means.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores a calculation result each time the calculation unit calculates, and a generation unit that generates information related to the communication speed based on the calculation result stored in the storage unit And further comprising.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention acquires a storage unit that stores information in which a calendar day, a day of the week, or a time zone and the communication status of the network are associated with each other, and acquires information on the calendar day, a day of the week, or a time And a communication status determination unit that determines whether the communication status is good or not based on information acquired by the acquisition unit and information stored in the storage unit.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes an image reading unit that reads an image and obtains image data, and the processing unit receives the image data in the image reading unit when the receiving unit receives the predetermined operation. The acquired image data is transmitted to the external device.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes an image forming unit that forms an image based on image data, and the processing unit receives image data from the external device when the receiving unit receives the predetermined operation. The image forming unit is caused to form an image based on the received image data.

  A communication system according to the present invention includes an information processing apparatus that receives an operation and executes a process according to the received operation, and a communication apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus via a network. In a communication system that transmits or receives data to or from the communication device when a predetermined operation is received, the communication device includes a receiving unit that receives specific data, and the receiving unit receives the specific data. A transmission unit that transmits response data to a transmission source of the specific data, the information processing device includes a communication unit that transmits and receives the specific data and the response data to and from the communication device, and the communication unit includes the communication unit Time measuring means for measuring the time until the response data is received after transmitting the specific data, and dividing the data amount of the specific data by the time measured by the time measuring means A communication status determining means for determining whether the communication status of the network is good or not based on information relating to a predetermined communication speed and a calculation result of the calculating means, and determining that the communication status determining means is defective. In this case, the apparatus has a reception prohibiting unit that prohibits reception of the predetermined operation.

The computer program according to the present invention is connected via a network to a communication device that receives specific data and transmits response data to the transmission source of the specific data , accepts an operation, and performs a process according to the accepted operation. when executed, the accepted operation is a predetermined operation, a computer program to perform the process of transmitting or receiving data to and from an external device connected via the network to a computer, the communication A step of transmitting and receiving the specific data and response data to and from a device; a step of measuring a time until the response data is received after transmitting the specific data; and a data amount of the specific data or the response data. Based on the step of dividing by the time measured, information on the predetermined communication speed and the division result Determining the quality of the communication status of the network, when it is determined to be defective, characterized in that and a step of prohibiting the acceptance of the predetermined operation.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the discomfort of the user resulting from the communication condition of the network used for a process being bad can be reduced.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of a multifunction peripheral, a server device, and a computer. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a menu screen displayed on a display unit of an operation panel of a multifunction machine. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the multifunction machine. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the communication process in step S13 of FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the multifunction machine according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a multifunction machine according to a third embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of a calculation result table. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the time information table in Embodiment 4. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the multifunction machine. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a window related to an upload function according to Embodiment 5.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system according to the first embodiment. The communication system according to the first embodiment includes a multifunction device 1, a server device 2, and a computer 3. The multifunction device 1 is, for example, a digital multifunction device or an analog multifunction device, and is installed in, for example, a convenience store. The server device 2 is, for example, a server computer that provides a cloud service, and provides various services such as use of a memory area and execution of an OS (Operating System) via the network N. The computer 3 is, for example, various computers such as a personal computer, a notebook computer, and a tablet terminal. In addition, each of the multifunction device 1, the server device 2, and the computer 3 is connected to a network N described later, and transmits / receives data via the network N.

For example, between the multifunction device 1 and the server device 2, image data of a document read by an image reading unit 14 (see FIG. 2) described later in the multifunction device 1 is transmitted from the multifunction device 1 to the server device 2, and the server The apparatus 2 stores the image data. Further, between the multifunction device 1 and the server device 2, image data is transmitted from the server device 2, and the multifunction device 1 forms an image in an image forming unit 15 (see FIG. 2) described later based on the image data. Is done.
Further, for example, between the multifunction device 1 and the computer 3, image data of a document read by the image reading unit 14 is transmitted from the multifunction device 1 to the computer 3, and the computer 3 stores the image data. Is called. In addition, between the multifunction device 1 and the computer 3, image data is transmitted from the computer 3, and the multifunction device 1 forms an image in the image forming unit 15 based on the image data.
For example, various data is transmitted and received between the server apparatus 2 and the computer 3, and the server apparatus 2 and the computer 3 each store the received data.

  The network N is a computer network, and various known configurations such as a dedicated communication network or the Internet can be used. A plurality of computer networks may be connected via connection devices such as routers. The transmission medium of the network N may include wired or wireless. In addition to the multifunction device 1, the server device 2, and the computer 3, one or more other devices that can transmit or receive data may be connected to the network N. Here, it is assumed that the quality of the communication status of the network N changes when data is transmitted and received between devices connected to the network N in the first embodiment. The communication status of the network N changes depending on, for example, the influence of the traffic volume of the network N, the influence of delay, jitter, packet loss, and the like when communication is performed via the connected device.

  In the first embodiment, the multifunction machine 1 corresponds to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, and the server apparatus 2 corresponds to the communication apparatus of the present invention. In the following, for convenience of explanation, processing performed between the multifunction device 1 and the server device 2 will be mainly described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating each configuration of the multifunction machine 1, the server apparatus 2, and the computer 3. The multifunction device 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an operation panel 13, an image reading unit 14, an image forming unit 15, a clock unit 16, a communication IF 17, and the like.

  The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), and the like, and controls the operation of each unit included in the multifunction device 1. Specifically, the CPU or MPU of the control unit 11 controls each unit by executing a control program described later stored in the storage unit 12.

  The storage unit 12 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores data received via the network N, image data acquired by an image reading unit 14 (to be described later) reading a document, and the like. The storage unit 12 stores a control program. The control program is a computer program in which processing contents performed when the multifunction device 1 communicates with the server device 2 and the computer 3 and processing contents performed when each unit is controlled are described. The control unit 11 loads the control program into a RAM (not shown) and executes it, thereby causing the multifunction device 1 to operate as the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

  The control program related to the multifunction machine 1 according to the first embodiment may be a copy of the control program 4a recorded on the recording medium 4 so as to be readable by the computer. The storage unit 12 stores a control program 4a read from the recording medium 4 by a reading device (not shown). The recording medium 4 is an optical disc such as a CD (Compact Disc) -ROM, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) -ROM, a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), a flexible disc, a magnetic disc such as a hard disc, a magnetic optical disc, and a semiconductor. Memory, etc.

  The operation panel 13 is a touch panel in which an operation unit 13a and a display unit 13b are integrated. The operation unit 13 a includes various operation keys necessary for the user to operate the multifunction device 1, receives information input based on the operation keys operated by the user, and outputs the received information to the control unit 11. . The display unit 13b is, for example, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic EL panel, or the like, and displays information to be notified to the user, information necessary for operation, and the like according to instructions from the control unit 11. In addition, you may provide the operation part 13a and the display part 13b separately, without using a touch panel.

  The image reading unit 14 is a scanner including a CCD (Charged Coupled Device), for example, and reads characters, images, and the like printed on a document as image data. Further, the image reading unit 14 may include a document transport function for sequentially transporting a plurality of documents placed on a predetermined document placement table to a reading position by a scanner.

  The image forming unit 15 is an image forming unit such as an electrophotographic system, an ink jet system, or a thermal transfer system, and the image data read from the original by the image reading unit 14 or an external device connected to the network N such as the server device 2 or the computer 3. Print processing based on the image data received from the device. The image forming unit 15 forms an image (character / photo / graphic) on a recording sheet such as recording paper based on the image data.

  For example, the clock unit 16 measures the calendar date and time, and the control unit 11 can acquire the calendar date and time information from the clock unit 16.

  The communication IF 17 is an interface for connecting to the network N. The communication IF 17 transmits and receives data to / from external devices connected to the network N such as the server device 2 and the computer 3 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 11.

  The second communication IF 18 is an interface for connecting to a network different from the network N. A network different from the network N is, for example, a telephone line network, and the multi-function device 1 implements a facsimile function using the telephone line network. Note that the configuration of the second communication IF 18 is not essential. For example, the multifunction device 1 may implement a facsimile function using the network N.

  The server device 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication IF 23, an input / output IF 24, and the like. The control unit 21 includes a CPU, an MPU, or the like, and controls the operation of each unit provided in the server device 2. Specifically, the CPU or MPU of the control unit 21 controls each unit by executing a control program described later stored in the storage unit 22.

  The storage unit 22 is a storage device such as an HDD, and stores data to be transmitted to the multifunction device 1 and the computer 3, data received from the multifunction device 1 and the computer 3, and the like. The storage unit 22 stores a control program. The control program is a computer program in which processing contents performed when the server apparatus 2 communicates with the multifunction device 1 and the computer 3 and processing contents performed when each unit is controlled are described. The control unit 21 causes the server device 2 to operate as a communication device according to the present invention by loading the control program into a RAM (not shown) and executing it.

  The communication IF 23 is an interface for connecting to the network N. The communication IF 23 transmits and receives data to and from external devices connected to the network N such as the multifunction device 1 and the computer 3 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 21.

  The input / output IF 24 is an interface for connecting input / output devices such as a keyboard and a display. The input / output IF 24 outputs an input signal from the input / output device to the control unit 11 and outputs an output signal from the control unit 11 to the input / output device.

  The computer 3 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a display unit 33, an input unit 34, a communication IF 35, and the like. The control unit 31 includes a CPU, an MPU, or the like, and controls the operation of each unit provided in the computer 3. Specifically, the CPU or MPU of the control unit 31 controls each unit by executing a control program described later.

  The storage unit 32 is a storage device such as an HDD, and stores data to be transmitted to the multifunction device 1 and the server device 2, data received from the multifunction device 1 and the server device 2, and the like. The storage unit 32 stores a control program. The control program is a computer program in which contents of processing performed when the computer 3 communicates between the multifunction device 1 and the server device 2 and contents of processing performed when controlling each unit are described.

  The display unit 33 is a monitor using, for example, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic EL panel, or the like. The input unit 34 is an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse.

  The communication IF 35 is an interface for connecting to the network N. The communication IF 35 transmits and receives data to and from external devices connected to the network N such as the multifunction device 1 and the server device 2 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 31.

  In the communication system configured as described above, the multifunction device 1 displays functions that can be provided to the user on the display unit 13b of the operation panel 13 as a menu screen. At this time, the multifunction device 1 determines whether the communication status of the network N is good or not, and changes the display mode of the menu screen based on the determination result.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a menu screen displayed on the display unit 13 b of the operation panel 13 of the multifunction device 1. FIG. 3A shows an example of a menu screen when the multifunction device 1 determines that the communication status of the network N is good. FIG. 3B shows that the communication status of the multifunction device 1 is poor in the network N. An example of the menu screen when it is determined is shown. On the menu screen, items of functions that can be provided by the multifunction machine 1 are displayed as icons 101 to 106. Specifically, the icons 101 to 106 correspond to functions of copy, print service, facsimile, administrative service, scan service, and network print, respectively. When the user selects any of the icons 101 to 106 by an operation on the operation unit 13a or a touch operation on the display unit 13b, the multi function device 1 accepts selection of the icon of the user and functions corresponding to the icon Process to realize.

  Here, when the selection of any of the icons 101 to 103 is received, the multifunction device 1 performs the process without using the network N, and when the selection of any of the icons 104 to 106 is received, the network 1 It is assumed that processing is performed using N. In the administrative service, for example, the information related to the Basic Resident Register and the image data of the resident card are communicated between the multifunction device 1 and the server device 2. In the scan service, for example, the MFP 1 transmits image data of a document read by the image reading unit 14 to the server device 2. In the network print service, for example, the server device 2 transmits the image data stored in the storage unit 22 to the multifunction device 1.

  When the multifunction device 1 determines that the communication status of the network N is bad, the icon 1 shown in FIG. 3B is used to prohibit the acceptance of an operation for executing a function for performing processing using the network N. 104 to 106 are hidden. If the multifunction device 1 determines that the communication status of the network N is good after hiding the icons 104 to 106, the icon 1 as shown in FIG. 104 to 106 are displayed.

  Next, a processing procedure of the multifunction machine 1 will be described. Hereinafter, the processing procedure will be described as appropriate using the display mode of the menu screen illustrated in FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the multifunction machine 1. The control unit 11 of the multifunction machine 1 determines whether or not an operation by the user is accepted from the operation unit 13a (step S11). For example, the control unit 11 determines whether or not selection of any of the icons 101 to 106 illustrated in FIG. The control unit 11 functions as a receiving unit of the present invention by executing a control program in step S11. When it determines with not accepting operation (S11: NO), the control part 11 waits until operation from a user is received.

  When it determines with having received operation (S11: YES), the control part 11 performs the process according to the received operation (step S12). For example, among the icons 101 to 106, the control unit 11 performs a process to realize a function corresponding to the icon determined to be received in step S11. The control unit 11 functions as processing means of the present invention by executing a control program in step S12.

  Subsequently, the control part 11 performs a communication process (step S13). In the communication process, the control unit 11 transmits specific determination data for determining the communication status of the network N to the server device 2 a plurality of times, and receives response data corresponding to each determination data from the server device 2. To do. In the communication process, the control unit 11 measures the time from when the determination data is transmitted until the response data corresponding to the transmitted determination data is received. That is, in the communication process, the control unit 11 measures a plurality of times corresponding to the number of times the determination data is transmitted. Details of the communication processing procedure will be described later.

  Thereafter, the control unit 11 calculates an average time from a plurality of times counted in the communication process (step S14). Specifically, the control unit 11 calculates the average time by calculating the average of the plurality of times. The control unit 11 functions as an average time calculation unit of the present invention by executing a control program in step S14.

  Next, the control unit 11 divides the data amount of the determination data by the calculated average time (step S15). In step S <b> 15, the control unit 11 calculates the data amount per unit time of data that can be transmitted / received to / from the server device 2. Hereinafter, the data amount per unit time is also referred to as a communication speed. The control part 11 functions as a calculation means by executing a control program in step S15.

  Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the calculated communication speed is less than a predetermined reference speed stored in advance in the storage unit 12 (step S16). For example, the reference speed is calculated based on the maximum value of the theoretical value of the data amount per unit time that can be transmitted and received by the MFP 1 using the network N, and is, for example, 20% of the theoretical value. . The control unit 11 determines that the communication status of the network N is bad when the calculated communication speed is less than the reference speed, and that the communication status of the network N is good when the communication speed is equal to or higher than the reference speed. . The control unit 11 functions as a communication status determination unit of the present invention by executing a control program in step S16.

  If it is determined that the speed is less than the reference speed (S16: YES), a reception prohibition process is performed (step S17). The reception prohibition process is, for example, a process of hiding the icons 104 to 106 so that the display mode of the menu screen of the display unit 13b is changed from FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B. The control unit 11 functions as an acceptance prohibition unit by executing a control program in step S17.

  When it is determined that the speed is not less than the reference speed (S16: NO), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the reception prohibition process has been completed (step S18). For example, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the display mode of the menu screen of the display unit 13b is the same display mode as in FIG. 3B.

  When it is determined that the reception prohibition process has been completed (S18: YES), the control unit 11 performs a reception permission process (step S19). The acceptance permission process is, for example, a process for displaying the icons 104 to 106 such that the display mode of the menu screen of the display unit 13b is changed from FIG. 3B to FIG. 3A and allowing the selection of the icons 104 to 106 to be accepted. The control unit 11 functions as an acceptance permitting unit of the present invention by executing a control program in step S19. Thereafter, the control unit 11 finishes the process. When it is determined that the reception prohibition process has not been completed (S18: NO), the control unit 11 ends the process.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a communication processing subroutine in step S13 of FIG. The control unit 11 of the multifunction machine 1 starts measuring time by acquiring calendar date and time information from the clock unit 16 (step S21). Next, the control unit 11 generates the above-described determination data, and transmits the above-described determination data to the server device 2 via the communication IF 17 and the network N (Step S22). The determination data has a predetermined data amount. The predetermined data amount can be appropriately selected according to, for example, the line type of the network N, and is several tens of kilobytes, for example. The control unit 11 functions as communication means of the present invention by executing a control program in step S22.

  The control unit 21 of the server device 2 receives the determination data transmitted from the multifunction device 1 via the network N and the communication IF 23 (step S23). Next, the control unit 21 generates response data and transmits the response data to the multi function device 1 via the communication IF 23 and the network N (step S24). The control unit 21 functions as a receiving unit of the present invention by executing a control program in step S23, and functions as a transmitting unit of the present invention by executing the control program in step S24.

  The control unit 11 of the multifunction device 1 receives the response data transmitted from the server device 2 via the network N and the communication IF 17 (step S25). The control unit 11 functions as a communication unit of the present invention by executing a control program in step S25. Next, the control unit 11 ends the time measurement by acquiring calendar date and time information from the clock unit 16 (step S26). Thereafter, the control unit 11 stores the time from the calendar date and time acquired in step S21 to the calendar date and time acquired in step S26 in the storage unit 12 as a time measurement result (step S27). Here, the control part 11 functions as a time measuring means of this invention by executing a control program in step S21 and step S26.

  Thereafter, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the determination data has been transmitted to the server device 2 a predetermined number of times (step S28). For example, the control unit 11 determines whether there are a predetermined number of time-measurement results temporarily stored in the storage unit 12. The predetermined number is, for example, 5 times. When it determines with not transmitting over predetermined times (S28: NO), the control part 11 returns a process to step S21.

With the above configuration and processing, the multifunction device 1 performs an operation of transmitting or receiving data using the network N such as a scan service or a network print when the communication status of the network determined by the own device is poor. Will not accept. The user can know in advance that the multifunction device 1 cannot properly perform the process using the network N by not accepting the operation by the multifunction device 1. Therefore, the information processing apparatus can reduce user discomfort.
In the first embodiment, reception of processing operations using the network N may be prohibited by a display mode other than hiding the icons 104 to 106 as shown in FIG. 3B. For example, the multifunction device 1 may gray out the icons 104 to 106 so that the icons cannot be selected. Further, when the icons 104 to 106 are selected, the multifunction device 1 displays a message such as “Currently unavailable”, and informs the user that the acceptance of processing operations using the network N is prohibited. You may make it alert | report.

  Further, since the MFP 1 performs the process of determining the communication status of the network N after executing the process in step S12 in FIG. 4, the process of determining the communication status hinders the execution of the process in step S12. Absent. Therefore, the multi-function device 1 can reliably prevent prolonging the execution time of the process based on the operation by the user due to the determination of the communication status, and can further reduce the user's discomfort. .

  In addition, the multifunction device 1 determines whether the communication status of the network N is good or not every time the execution of the process by the accepted operation is completed. Therefore, the MFP 1 repeatedly determines whether the communication status is good, for example, even when the frequency of changes in the network communication status is high, an operation performed by the user in response to the change. You can prohibit or permit reception.

  Further, the multifunction device 1 transmits data using the network N by the user when the communication status of the network N changes from a poor status to a good status in the acceptance permission process of step S19 in FIG. Alternatively, it is possible to resume accepting the operation of the process to be received. Therefore, it is possible to improve convenience while reducing user discomfort.

Further, the multifunction device 1 determines the communication status of the network based on the data amount of data that can be transmitted / received via the network per unit time by performing the communication process of step S13 in FIG. be able to.
In this communication process, the multifunction device 1 transmits and receives the determination data and response data to and from another communication device capable of transmitting and receiving the determination data and response data instead of the server device 2. May be. That is, it is not essential for the server device 2 to transmit and receive determination data and response data.
In the communication process, it has been described that the control unit 11 of the multifunction device 1 transmits the determination data a plurality of times. However, the determination data may be transmitted once. At this time, the control unit 11 does not perform the process of step S14 in FIG. 4, and divides the time required for transmission / reception of determination data and response data for one time by the data amount of the determination data in step S15.

  Further, in step S14 in FIG. 4, the multi-function device 1 calculates the average time using the time measurement results for a plurality of times in the communication process, so that data of data that can be transmitted / received via the network per unit time is obtained. The amount can be calculated more accurately.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, it has been described that the control unit 11 of the multifunction device 1 receives an operation by the user, and determines whether the communication status of the network N is good or not every time execution of the process according to the received operation ends. In the second embodiment, an example in which the control unit 11 periodically determines whether the communication status of the network N is good or bad will be described. Since the other configurations and operations other than the configurations and operations described below are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and the detailed description of the same configurations and the operations thereof are the same. Description of the effect is omitted.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the multifunction machine 1 according to the second embodiment. Note that the processing from step S33 to step S39 in FIG. 6 is the same as the processing from step S13 to step S19 in FIG.

  The control unit 11 of the multifunction device 1 determines whether or not it is at a determination timing at which the quality of the communication status of the network N should be determined (step S31). For example, the control unit 11 determines that the determination timing is reached each time a predetermined time interval elapses. The predetermined time interval is, for example, 5 minutes. If it is determined that the determination timing is not reached (S31: NO), the control unit 11 waits until the determination timing is reached.

  When it determines with it being in a determination timing (S31: YES), the control part 11 determines whether the own machine is in process (step S32). For example, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the control unit 11 is executing a process corresponding to any of the icons 101 to 106 in FIG. If it is determined that the process is being performed (S32: YES), the control unit 11 ends the process. When it determines with not processing (S32: NO), the control part 11 advances a process after step S33.

  As described above, the multifunction device 1 determines whether the communication status of the network N is good or not at each determination timing. Even in this case, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In the second embodiment, it has been described that the determination timing comes regularly. However, the determination timing may be irregular.

  Note that the control unit 11 of the multifunction device 1 has been described as determining whether or not the process corresponding to any of the icons 101 to 106 is being executed in step S32 in FIG. You may make it determine whether it is doing. For example, the control unit 11 may determine whether or not a process using the network N is being executed, that is, whether or not a process corresponding to the icons 104 to 106 is being executed. At this time, the control unit 11 does not execute a process of determining whether the communication status of the network N is good or not while executing the process of using the network N. The multi-function device 1 can prevent the execution time of the processing based on the operation by the user from being prolonged due to the determination of the communication status, and the communication status can be changed while executing the processing not using the network N. Since the determination can be made, the real-time property of the determination of the communication state can be improved while reducing the user's discomfort.

(Embodiment 3)
In the first and second embodiments, it has been described that the reference speed used when determining the quality of the communication status of the network N is stored in the storage unit 12 in advance. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which the control unit 11 of the MFP 1 stores the communication speed every time the communication speed is calculated, and generates the reference speed based on the stored communication speed information. Since the other configurations and operations other than the configurations and operations described below are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and a detailed description and The description of the function and effect is omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the multifunction machine 1 according to the third embodiment. 7 are the same as the processes in steps S11 to S15 and steps S16 to S19 in FIG. 4 in the first embodiment, so that the processes in steps S41 to S45 and S48 to S51 in FIG. Description is omitted.

  After executing the process of step S45, the control unit 11 of the multifunction machine 1 stores the communication speed that is the calculation result of the process in the storage unit 12 (step S46). For example, the control unit 11 creates a calculation result table 121 (see FIG. 8) in the storage unit 12, and stores the communication speed in the created calculation result table 121. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the calculation result table 121. As shown in FIG. 8, the calculation result table 121 stores the date and time and the communication speed in association with each other. In step S46, for example, the control unit 11 acquires calendar date and time information from the clock unit 16, and stores the acquired information and the communication speed calculated in step S45 in association with each other.

  Next, the control unit 11 generates a reference speed based on the calculation result stored in the storage unit 12 (step S47). For example, the control unit 11 reads the maximum communication speed from among the communication speeds stored in the calculation result table 121 stored in the storage unit 12 and uses the maximum communication speed as the reference speed. The control unit 11 functions as a generation unit of the present invention by executing a control program in step S47. Then, the control part 11 advances a process after step S48. In step S48, the control unit 11 performs processing using the reference speed generated in step S47.

  As described above, each time the communication speed is calculated in step S <b> 45, the multi function device 1 can store the communication speed in the calculation result table 121 of the storage unit 12 and use the information in the calculation result table 121 to generate the reference speed. Therefore, the quality of the communication status of the network N can be determined using the history of calculation results, so the quality of the communication status can be determined with higher accuracy.

  In step S47 in FIG. 7, the control unit 11 generates the reference speed by reading the maximum communication speed stored in the calculation result table 121. However, the reference speed is other than the maximum communication speed. Also good. For example, the control unit 11 may generate the reference speed by calculating various statistics indicating the communication speed such as the average value and the median of the communication speed stored in the calculation result table 121. Moreover, you may make it the control part 11 produce | generate a reference speed based on the time which performed the process of step S45. For example, the control unit 11 reads out the communication speed stored in the same time zone as the time when the process of step S45 was performed from the calculation result table 121, and reads various values such as the maximum value, the average value, and the median value of the read communication speed. The reference speed may be generated by calculating the statistic. The time zone may be, for example, 24 hours divided by a fixed time, such as morning or afternoon, 24 hours divided by 1 hour, or 24 hours divided by different times. There may be.

  Further, in the third embodiment, the control unit 11 of the multifunction machine 1 may perform the same processing as the processing in steps S31 and S32 in FIG. 6 in the second embodiment, instead of the processing in steps S41 and S42 in FIG. Good.

(Embodiment 4)
In the first to third embodiments, the multifunction device 1 calculates the communication speed by transmitting / receiving the determination data and the response data to / from the server device 2, and determines whether the communication status of the network N is good or bad based on the communication speed. Judged. In the fourth embodiment, an example in which the multifunction device 1 determines whether the communication status of the network N is good or not using information stored in the storage unit 12 in advance without performing communication with the server device 2 will be described. Since the other configurations and operations other than the configurations and operations described below are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and a detailed description and The description of the function and effect is omitted.

  In the MFP 1 according to the first embodiment, the date and time on which the communication status of the network N is bad and the time zone on the date are stored in the storage unit 12 as the time information table 122 (see FIG. 9). FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the time information table 122 according to the fourth embodiment. As described above, the time information table 122 stores the date on which the communication status of the network N is bad and the time zone on the date. That is, the time information table 122 is information that is stored in association with the communication status of the network N being poor and the date and time. In FIG. 9, “-” indicates that the specific value is not used. For example, in the time information table 122, the rows of “1”, “−”, and “12:30 to 13:00” in the items of month, day, and time zone respectively depend on a specific day in January. The time zone from 12:30 to 13:00 represents that the communication status of the network N is bad.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the multifunction machine 1. Note that the processing of step S61, step S62, and step S65 to step S67 is the same as the processing of step S11, step S12, and step S17 to step S19 in FIG. .

  After the process of step S62, the control unit 11 of the multifunction machine 1 acquires calendar date and time information from the clock unit 16 (step S63). The control unit 11 functions as an acquisition unit of the present invention by executing a control program in step S63. Thereafter, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the acquired information exists in the time information table 122 (step S64). For example, when the information acquired from the clock unit 16 represents 13:30 on January 10, 2014, the control unit 11 determines that the information exists in the second row of the time information table 122 in FIG. For example, when the information acquired from the clock unit 16 represents 9:00 on January 20, 2014, the control unit 11 determines that the information does not exist in the time information table 122 in FIG. When it is determined that it exists in the time information table 122 (S64: YES), the control unit 11 advances the processing from step S65 onward, and when it is determined that it does not exist in the time information table 122 (S64: NO), the control unit 11 Advances the process after step S66.

  As described above, the multifunction device 1 stores the time information table stored in the storage unit 12 as to whether the time on the date acquired from the clock unit 16 is a time zone on the date when the communication status of the network N is likely to be poor. 122 can be determined.

  In the fourth embodiment, it has been described that the multifunction device 1 uses the time information table 122 in which the date and time are stored. However, the time information table 122 may include information on calendar days, days of the week, or time zones. For example, other information may be stored. At this time, the control unit 11 of the multifunction device 1 can determine whether the communication status of the network N is good or not by acquiring information corresponding to the time information table 122 in step S63 in FIG. In addition, the time information table 122 in the fourth embodiment is an example, and any format may be used as long as it is information in which the calendar day, the day of the week, or the time zone and the communication status of the network N are associated with each other.

  Further, in the fourth embodiment, the control unit 11 of the multifunction machine 1 may perform the same processing as the processing in steps S31 and S32 in FIG. 6 in the second embodiment, instead of the processing in steps S61 and S62 in FIG. Good.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the example in which the multifunction device 1 transmits or receives data to or from one server device 2 has been described. However, data transmission to or from a plurality of server devices 2 has been described. You may make it perform reception. For example, the multifunction device 1 may transmit or receive data with different server devices 2 when realizing the functions of the above-described administrative service, scan service, and network print. At this time, the multifunction device 1 may determine the communication status of the network N by transmitting / receiving the above-described determination data and response data to / from each server device 2, or between the specific server device 2. The communication status may be determined by transmitting / receiving determination data and response data.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the MFP 1 determines whether the communication status of the network N is good or bad by using the communication speed or time information table 122 calculated by transmitting / receiving the determination data and the response data. Although described, the quality may be determined by other methods. For example, when the MFP 1 transmits data to the server device 2, it determines whether the communication status of the network N is good depending on whether the time from the start of transmission to the end of transmission is within a predetermined time such as 2 minutes. You may make it do. The time from the start of transmission to the end of transmission can be calculated by various methods. For example, it may be calculated by dividing the amount of data to be transmitted by the communication speed.

(Embodiment 5)
In the first to fourth embodiments, the example has been described in which the multifunction device 1 determines the quality of the communication status of the network N. In the fifth embodiment, an example in which the computer 3 determines whether the communication status of the network N is good or bad will be described. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, processing performed between the computer 3 and the server device 2 will be mainly described. In addition, since the other structure and operation | movement except the structure and effect | action demonstrated below are the same as that of the above-mentioned Embodiment 1-4, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same part, detailed description regarding the same structure, and The description of the function and effect is omitted.

  The control unit 31 of the computer 3 according to the fifth embodiment causes the computer 3 to operate as an information processing apparatus according to the present invention by loading the computer program stored in the storage unit 32 into a RAM (not shown) and executing it. . In addition, the computer 3 has a function of transmitting data stored in the storage unit 32 to the server apparatus 2, that is, an upload function, and a function of receiving data from the server apparatus 2, that is, a download function. The computer 3 displays a window related to each of the upload function and the download function on the display unit 33, and receives each operation on the window from the user via the input unit 34, thereby executing each function. When the computer 3 receives an operation for executing each function, the computer 3 determines whether the communication status of the network N is good or not, and changes the display mode of the window based on the determination result. Hereinafter, the display mode of the window related to the upload function will be described. Note that the control program stored in the storage unit 32 may be a copy of what is stored in the recording medium 4 as in the case of the multifunction machine 1 of the first to fourth embodiments.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a window 300 related to the upload function according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 11A shows an example of a window 300 when the computer 3 determines that the communication status of the network N is good, and FIG. 11B shows that the computer 3 determines that the communication status of the network N is bad. An example of a time window 300 is shown. Buttons 301 to 303 are arranged in the window 300. The computer 3 realizes an upload function by receiving an operation on the buttons 301 to 303 by the user. A button 301 is a button for selecting data to be uploaded from data stored in the storage unit 32. The button 302 is a button for the computer 3 to upload the data selected by the operation on the button 301. A button 303 is a button for canceling execution of the upload function.

  When the computer 3 determines that the communication status of the network N is bad, the button 302 is hidden as shown in FIG. 11B in order to prohibit the acceptance of the operation for executing the upload function using the network N. To do. If the computer 3 determines that the communication status of the network N is good after hiding the button 302, the computer 3 displays the button 302 as shown in FIG. 11A in order to permit acceptance of the upload function. indicate. Similarly, for the window related to the download function, when the multifunction device 1 determines that the communication status is bad, the button related to the reception is prohibited to prohibit the reception of the operation for executing the download function. Hide images such as icons. If the multifunction device 1 hides the image and determines that the communication status of the network N is good, the multifunction device 1 displays the image to permit acceptance of the download function. Note that, similarly to the above-described first embodiment, reception of processing operations using the network N may be prohibited by a display mode other than hiding the button 302.

  The computer 3 as described above performs processing for displaying and hiding the button 302 of the window 300 by performing processing similar to the processing in FIGS. 4, 6, 7, or 10 in the first to fourth embodiments. And the same effects as those of the first to fourth embodiments can be obtained.

  In the first to fifth embodiments, it has been described that the multifunction device 1 or the computer 3 determines the communication status of the network N, and prohibits or permits the reception of operations in the process using the network N according to the determination result. However, other devices may do this. That is, any type of device such as a digital camera or a mobile phone may be used as long as it is an information processing device that transmits or receives data to or from an external device connected via the network N.

  In addition, it should be understood that the embodiment disclosed this time is illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the meanings described above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims. Further, the technical features described in the above embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other to form a new technical plan.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, a receiving unit (11, 31) for receiving an operation and a processing unit (11, 31) for executing a process according to the operation received by the receiving unit (11, 31) are provided. The processing means (11, 31) transmits data to or from the external device (2) connected via the network (N) when the receiving means (11, 31) accepts a predetermined operation. In the information processing apparatus (1, 3) to receive, the communication status determining means (11, 31) for determining the quality of the communication status of the network (N) and the communication status determining means (11, 31) are defective. If it is determined, reception prohibiting means (11, 31) for prohibiting reception of the predetermined operation by the receiving means (11, 31) is provided.

  In the present invention, the information processing devices (1, 3) are connected to the external device (2) via the network (N). The accepting means (11, 31) accepts an operation. The processing means (11, 31) executes processing according to the operation received by the receiving means (11, 31), and when the receiving means (11, 31) receives a predetermined operation, the external device (2) Send or receive data to and from. The communication status determining means (11, 31) determines whether the communication status of the network (N) is good or bad. The reception prohibition means (11, 31) prohibits the reception of the predetermined operation by the reception means (11, 31) when the communication status determination means (11, 31) is determined to be defective. Therefore, the information processing device (1, 3) accepts an operation of processing to transmit or receive data using the network (N) when the communication status of the network (N) determined by the own device is bad. Absent. The user can know in advance that the information processing apparatus (1, 3) cannot properly perform the process using the network (N) by not accepting the operation. Therefore, the information processing apparatus (1, 3) can reduce the user's discomfort.

  In Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the communication status determining means (11, 31) determines whether the communication status is good or not when the processing by the processing means (11, 31) is not executed. It is characterized by that.

  In the present invention, the communication status determination means (11, 31) determines whether the communication status of the network (N) is good or not when the processing by the processing means (11, 31) is not executed. Therefore, in the information processing apparatus (1, 3), the determination process by the communication status determination unit (11, 31) does not prevent the execution of the process by the processing unit (11, 31). Therefore, the information processing device (1, 3) can prevent the execution time of the process based on the operation by the user from being prolonged due to the determination of the communication status, and further reduces the user's discomfort. be able to.

  Embodiment 3 of the present invention is characterized in that the communication status determination means (11, 31) repeatedly determines the quality of the communication status.

  In the present invention, the communication status determination means (11, 31) repeatedly determines the quality of the communication status of the network (N). Therefore, for example, even when the frequency of change in the communication status of the network (N) is high, the information processing device (1, 3) can be adapted to the change and prohibit the operation by the user. .

  In Embodiment 4 of the present invention, the communication status determining means (11, 31) determines whether the communication status is good or not every time processing by the processing means (11, 31) is completed. And

  In the present invention, the communication status determination means (11, 31) determines the quality of the communication status every time the processing by the processing means (11, 31) ends. Therefore, the information processing device (1, 3) executes the processing by the processing unit (11, 31) even when the determination processing by the communication status determination unit (11, 31) is repeatedly performed. I do not disturb. Therefore, the information processing apparatus (1, 3) can reliably prevent the execution time of the process based on the operation by the user from being prolonged due to the determination of the communication status, and the user's discomfort is further increased. Can be reduced.

  In Embodiment 5 of the present invention, after the reception prohibition means (11, 31) prohibits the reception of the predetermined operation by the reception means (11, 31), the communication status determination means (11, 31) is good. If it is determined that the operation is accepted, the apparatus further comprises reception permission means (11, 31) for permitting the reception of the operation.

  In the present invention, the reception permission means (11, 31) is configured such that after the reception prohibition means (11, 31) prohibits the reception of the predetermined operation by the reception means (11, 31), the communication status determination means (11, 31). If it is determined that 31) is good, the acceptance of the operation is permitted. Accordingly, when the communication status of the network (N) changes from a poor status to a good status, the information processing device (1, 3) transmits or receives data using the network (N) by the user. Since reception of processing operations can be resumed, convenience can be improved while reducing user discomfort.

  In Embodiment 6 of the present invention, when the specific data is received, the communication device (2) that transmits response data to the transmission source of the received specific data is connected via the network (N), Communication means (11, 31) for transmitting / receiving the specific data and response data to / from the communication device (2), and the communication means (11, 31) receiving the response data after transmitting the specific data And time calculating means (11, 31) for measuring the time until and a calculation means (11, 31) for dividing the data amount of the specific data or response data by the time measured by the time measuring means (11, 31). The communication status determining means (11, 31) is configured to determine whether the communication status is good or not based on information on a predetermined communication speed and a calculation result of the calculation means (11, 31). The features.

  In the present invention, the information processing devices (1, 3) are connected to the communication device (2). When the communication device (2) receives the specific data, the information processing device (1, 3) serves as a transmission source of the received specific data. Send response data. The communication means (11, 31) transmits / receives specific data and response data to / from the communication device (2). The timing means (11, 31) measures the time until the response data is received after the communication means (11, 31) transmits the specific data. The arithmetic means (11, 31) divides the data amount of the specific data or response data by the time measured by the time measuring means (11, 31). The communication status determination means (11, 31) determines the quality of the communication status based on the information related to the predetermined communication speed and the calculation result of the calculation means (11, 31). Therefore, the information processing device (1, 3) can determine the communication status of the network based on the data amount of data that can be transmitted / received via the network (N) per unit time. The communication device (2) and the external device (2) may be configured integrally.

  In Embodiment 7 of the present invention, the communication means (11, 31) is configured to transmit the specific data a plurality of times, and the time measuring means (11, 31) is the communication means (11 , 31) each time the specific data is transmitted, the time until the response data corresponding to the transmitted specific data is received is counted, and the time counting for the plurality of times by the time measuring means (11, 31) is performed. Mean time calculating means (11, 31) for calculating the average of the results is further provided, and the calculating means (11, 31) is replaced with the time measured by the time measuring means (11, 31), the average time calculating means. The data amount of the specific data or response data is divided by the average calculated by (11, 31).

  In the present invention, the communication means (11, 31) transmits the specific data a plurality of times. Each time the communication means (11, 31) transmits the specific data, the time measuring means (11, 31) measures the time until the response data corresponding to the transmitted specific data is received. The average time calculating means (11, 31) calculates the average of the time measurement results for a plurality of times by the time measuring means (11, 31). The calculation means (11, 31) divides the data amount of the specific data by the average calculated by the average time calculation means (11, 31). Therefore, the information processing apparatus (1, 3) can calculate the data amount of data that can be transmitted / received via the network (N) per unit time with higher accuracy by using the timing result for a plurality of times. it can.

  In Embodiment 8 of this invention, whenever the said calculating means (11, 31) calculates, the memory | storage part (12, 32) which memorize | stores a calculation result, and the calculation result memorize | stored in this memory | storage part (12, 32) And generating means (11, 31) for generating information relating to the communication speed.

  In this invention, a memory | storage part (12, 32) memorize | stores a calculation result, whenever a calculating means (11, 31) calculates. The generation means (11, 31) generates information related to the communication speed based on the calculation result stored in the storage unit (12, 32). Therefore, for example, the information processing device (1, 3) determines whether the communication status of the network (N) is good or not based on the information regarding the communication speed generated using the history of the calculation results by the calculation means (11, 31). Can do.

  In Embodiment 9 of the present invention, the storage unit (12, 32) stores information in which the calendar day, day of the week, or time zone and the network communication status are associated with each other, and the calendar day, day of week, or time Acquisition means (11, 31) for acquiring information, and the communication status determination means (11, 31) includes the information acquired by the acquisition means (11, 31) and the storage unit (12, 32). The quality of the communication status is determined based on the stored information.

  In this invention, a memory | storage part (12, 32) memorize | stores the information with which the calendar day, the day of the week, or the time slot | zone, and the communication condition of the network (N) were matched. The acquisition means (11, 31) acquires information relating to a calendar day, a day of the week, or a time. The communication status determination unit (11, 31) determines the quality of the communication status based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit (11, 31) and the information stored in the storage unit (12, 32). Accordingly, the information processing device (1, 3) is, for example, a calendar date, day of the week, or time represented by information acquired by the acquisition means (11, 31) in a calendar day, day of the week, or time zone in which the communication status tends to be poor. Whether or not there is can be determined based on information stored in the storage unit (12, 32).

  In Embodiment 10 of the present invention, the image processing apparatus further includes an image reading unit (14) that reads an image and acquires image data, and the processing unit (11) receives the predetermined operation when the receiving unit (11) receives the predetermined operation. The image reading unit (14) acquires image data, and the acquired image data is transmitted to the external device (2).

  In the present invention, the image reading unit (14) reads an image and acquires image data. When the receiving unit (11) receives a predetermined operation, the processing unit (11) causes the image reading unit (14) to acquire image data and transmits the acquired image data to the external device (2). Therefore, the information processing apparatus (1) can store the read image in the external device (2) based on, for example, an operation received from the user.

  In an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, the image processing apparatus further includes an image forming unit (15) that forms an image based on image data, and the processing unit (11) receives the predetermined operation when the receiving unit (11) receives the predetermined operation. , Receiving image data from the external device (2), and causing the image forming unit (15) to perform image formation based on the received image data.

  In the present invention, the image forming unit (15) forms an image based on the image data. When the accepting means (11) accepts a predetermined operation, the processing means (11) receives image data with the external device (2) and performs image formation based on the received image data (15). ). Therefore, for example, the information processing apparatus (1) can receive image data from the external device (2) and form an image represented by the image data on a sheet based on an operation received from the user.

  In Embodiment 12 of the present invention, an information processing device (1, 3) that receives an operation and executes a process according to the received operation, and the information processing device (1, 3) via a network (N) A communication device (2) to be connected, and when the information processing device (1, 3) receives a predetermined operation, the communication device (2) transmits or receives data with the communication device (2). The communication device (2) includes: a receiving unit (21) that receives specific data; and a transmission unit (21) that transmits response data to a transmission source of the specific data when the receiving unit (21) receives the specific data. The information processing device (1, 3) includes communication means (11, 13) for transmitting / receiving the specific data and response data to / from the communication device (2), and the communication means (11). 13) Time measuring means (11, 13) for measuring the time until receiving the response data after receiving the data, and arithmetic means for dividing the data amount of the specific data by the time measured by the time measuring means (11, 13) ( 11, 13) and communication status determination means (11, 13) for determining whether the communication status of the network (N) is good or not based on information relating to a predetermined communication speed and the calculation result of the calculation means (11, 13). ) And reception prohibition means (11, 13) for prohibiting reception of the predetermined operation when it is determined that the communication status determination means (11, 13) is defective.

  In the present invention, the communication device (2) receives the specific data by the receiving means (21). When the reception unit (21) receives the specific data, the communication device (2) transmits response data to the transmission source of the specific data by the transmission unit (21). The information processing device (1, 3) transmits / receives specific data and response data to / from the communication device (2) by the communication means (11, 13). The information processing device (1, 3) measures the time until the response data is received after the communication unit (11, 13) transmits the specific data by the time measuring unit (11, 13). The information processing device (1, 3) uses the calculation means (11, 13) to divide the data amount of the specific data by the time measured by the time measuring means (11, 13). The information processing device (1, 3) determines whether the communication status of the network (N) is good or not based on the information related to the predetermined communication speed and the calculation result of the calculation means (11, 13). ). When the information processing device (1, 3) determines that the communication status determination unit (1, 3) is defective, the information processing device (1, 3) prohibits the reception prohibition unit (11, 13) from accepting the predetermined operation. Accordingly, when the communication status of the network (N) determined by the information processing device (1, 3) is poor, the information processing device (1, 3) uses the network (N) to transfer data to and from the communication device (2). Does not accept operations for processing to send or receive. By not accepting the operation, the user can know in advance that the information processing apparatus (1, 3) cannot properly perform the process by the operation. Therefore, the information processing apparatus (1, 3) can reduce the user's discomfort.

  In the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, an operation is accepted, processing according to the accepted operation is executed, and when the accepted operation is a predetermined operation, the external device (2) connected via the network (N) In the computer program (4a) for causing the computer (1, 3) to perform processing for transmitting or receiving data to and from the computer, the computer (1, 3) determines whether the communication status of the network (N) is good or bad And a step of prohibiting acceptance of the predetermined operation when it is determined that the step is defective.

  In the present invention, the computer (1, 3) receives an operation and executes a process according to the received operation. When the received operation is a predetermined operation, the computer (1, 3) transmits or receives data to / from the external device (2) connected via the network (N). The computer (1, 3) determines whether the communication status of the network (N) is good. When it is determined that the communication status of the network (N) is bad, the computer (1, 3) prohibits acceptance of the predetermined operation.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Multifunction machine 2 Server apparatus 3 Computer 4 Recording medium 4a Control program 11 Control part 12 Storage part 13 Operation panel 14 Image reading part 15 Image formation part 16 Clock part 17 Communication IF
18 Second communication IF
21 Control Unit 22 Storage Unit 23 Communication IF
24 I / O IF
31 Control Unit 32 Storage Unit 33 Display Unit 34 Input Unit 35 Communication IF
N network

Claims (13)

A receiving unit that receives an operation; and a processing unit that executes a process according to the operation received by the receiving unit. The processing unit is connected via a network when the receiving unit receives a predetermined operation. In an information processing apparatus that transmits or receives data to or from an external device,
When the specific data is received, the communication device that transmits the response data to the transmission source of the received specific data is connected via the network,
Communication means for transmitting and receiving the specific data and response data to and from the communication device;
After the communication means transmits the specific data, it measures time until receiving the response data;
Dividing means for dividing the data amount of the specific data or response data by the time measured by the time measuring means;
A communication status determination unit that determines whether the communication status of the network is good or not based on information relating to a predetermined communication speed and a division result of the division unit;
An information processing apparatus comprising: an acceptance prohibiting unit that prohibits acceptance of the predetermined operation by the accepting unit when it is determined that the communication status determining unit is defective. A receiving unit that receives an operation; and a processing unit that executes a process according to the operation received by the receiving unit. The processing unit is connected via a network when the receiving unit receives a predetermined operation. In an information processing apparatus that transmits or receives data to or from an external device,
A communication status determination unit that determines whether the communication status of the network is good or not every time processing by the processing unit is completed ;
An information processing apparatus comprising: an acceptance prohibiting unit that prohibits acceptance of the predetermined operation by the accepting unit when it is determined that the communication status determining unit is defective. The communication status determination unit, the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that you have to determine the acceptability of the communication status when the processing by the processing means is not executed. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the communication status determination unit repeatedly determines whether the communication status is good or bad. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the communication status determination unit determines whether the communication status is good or not every time processing by the processing unit ends. After the reception prohibiting means prohibits the reception of the predetermined operation by the reception means, the reception prohibiting means further comprises an acceptance permission means for permitting the reception of the operation when the communication status determination means determines that the operation is good. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . When the specific data is received, the communication device that transmits the response data to the transmission source of the received specific data is connected via the network,
Communication means for transmitting and receiving the specific data and response data to and from the communication device;
After the communication means transmits the specific data, it measures time until receiving the response data;
Dividing means for dividing the data amount of the specific data or response data by the time measured by the time measuring means; and
The communication status judging means, any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that you have to determine the acceptability of the communication situation based on the division result information and said division means according to a predetermined communication speed Information processing apparatus described in one. The communication means is configured to transmit the specific data a plurality of times,
Each time the communication means transmits the specific data, the time measuring means measures the time until the response data corresponding to the transmitted specific data is received,
An average time calculating means for calculating an average of the time measurement results for the plurality of times by the time measuring means;
Said dividing means, instead of the time the clock means is clocking, claim 1, characterized in that said an average of the average time calculation means has calculated are as dividing the data amount of the specific data or response data Or the information processing apparatus according to 7 ; A storage unit that stores information associated with a calendar day, a day of the week, or a time zone, and a communication status of the network;
And an acquisition means for acquiring information relating to a calendar day, a day of the week, or a time,
6. The communication status determination unit determines whether the communication status is good or not based on information acquired by the acquisition unit and information stored in the storage unit. 6 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. An image reading unit that reads the image and acquires image data;
The processing unit is configured to cause the image reading unit to acquire image data when the receiving unit receives the predetermined operation, and to transmit the acquired image data to the external device. Item 10. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 9 . An image forming unit that forms an image based on the image data;
The processing unit receives image data from the external device when the receiving unit receives the predetermined operation, and causes the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the received image data. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 1 to 10 . An information processing device that accepts an operation and executes a process according to the accepted operation; and a communication device that is connected to the information processing device via a network. In a communication system for transmitting or receiving data to or from the communication device,
The communication device
Receiving means for receiving specific data;
A transmission unit that transmits response data to a transmission source of the specific data when the reception unit receives the specific data;
The information processing apparatus includes:
Communication means for transmitting and receiving the specific data and response data to and from the communication device;
After the communication means transmits the specific data, it measures time until receiving the response data;
Arithmetic means for dividing the data amount of the specific data by the time measured by the time measuring means;
A communication status determination unit that determines whether the communication status of the network is good or not based on information related to a predetermined communication speed and a calculation result of the calculation unit;
And a reception prohibiting unit that prohibits reception of the predetermined operation when the communication status determining unit determines that the communication status is bad. It is connected via a network to a communication device that receives specific data and transmits response data to the transmission source of the specific data , accepts an operation, executes a process according to the accepted operation, and the accepted operation is predetermined. If an operation in a computer program to perform the process of transmitting or receiving data to and from an external device connected via the network to the computer,
In the computer,
Transmitting and receiving the specific data and response data to and from the communication device;
Measuring the time until the response data is received after transmitting the specific data;
Dividing the data amount of the specific data or response data by the time measured;
Determining whether the communication status of the network is good or not based on information relating to a predetermined communication speed and a division result ;
And a step of prohibiting acceptance of the predetermined operation when it is determined to be defective.

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